Senate expands Safe Schools probe to TETFund, NELFUND

The Senate has expanded the scope of its investigation into the Safe Schools Initiative to include the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

 

Lawmakers also extended the lifespan of the ad hoc committee investigating the initiative by three weeks to enable it conclude its assignment.

 

The resolution followed a motion by the committee chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who said the agencies play key roles in education funding, student welfare and social intervention programmes, making their inclusion necessary for a comprehensive investigation.

 

According to Kalu, the expanded probe will examine the funding, implementation and accountability of programmes aimed at improving school safety and supporting students across the country.

 

The committee will assess financial flows, operational challenges and accountability mechanisms, review school feeding and emergency relief programmes, audit TETFund-funded infrastructure and security projects, evaluate NELFUND’s student loan operations, and examine UBEC’s interventions in basic education.

 

The Senate approved the request after a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

 

The Safe Schools Initiative was launched in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls to strengthen security around schools, particularly in conflict-affected communities.

 

The Senate’s investigation has already scrutinised the utilisation of funds released under the programme, including allocations to security agencies and the Ministry of Education, amid concerns over accountability and effectiveness.